Now, six months later, the dogs are adjusting to life with their adoptive families.

This is the story of two of these dogs: d'Artagnon, adopted by the Charles family in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Sochi, adopted by the Pascaran family in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Meanwhile, Humane Society International, one of the organizations that helped bring the dogs to D.C., says that the publicity surrounding the Sochi dogs has helped open a dialogue between animal welfare groups and the Russian government about more effective and humane alternatives for animal control.

"We are now speaking with local and national government about implementing humane and effective alternatives for the upcoming 2016 World Cup, which Russia is hosting," says Kelly O'Meara, director of companion animals and engagement at Humane Society International.